Top 5 Energy Saving Tips in Albany

We are all looking for ways to save money in our daily lives and would
like to help save the environment and be a little “greener”
while we are at it. By decreasing your own individual energy consumption,
you not only reduce your monthly utility bills but learn ways to be more
eco-friendly at the same time.

As the first of a two-part series, we’d like to offer you a few tips
on how you can save valuable energy that can also put a little money back
in your pocket.

Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats range anywhere between $40 – $100 and can
save up to $200 per year by automatically turning up your
air conditioning and turning down your heat during certain times of the day and night.
Using a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature in your home
while you are at work or asleep can save you up to 30% on energy.

Wash your clothes in cold water. By washing your clothing at colder temperatures (around 30°C), you
will use approximately 40% less electricity than at a higher temperature.
This could save you as much as $100 per year. Additionally, you can conserve
water by washing full loads and when washing half loads, use the economy
program on your washer (if available).

Unplug appliances and invest in a load monitor. According to a recent IBM study, you can reduce your monthly electric bills
by as much as 15% by knowing how much power you are actually using when
your appliances are not in use, but still plugged in. Load monitors cost
$25 and up, and have a monitor that displays how much energy any plugged-in
device is consuming and when it is using that energy. This monitor helps
you determine what appliances should be turned off and unplugged when
not in use. There are even programmable load monitors that are designed
to cut power automatically.

Be judicious when deciding what temperature to set your home at. According to the EPA, you can save up to 3% on your energy bills simply
by adjusting your thermostat just one degree, either up or down depending
on the season. You will notice the savings, but not the temperature difference.

Consider installing a tankless water
heater. Although a tankless water heater may be a larger initial investment, the
savings you will achieve in the long run far outweighs the upfront cost.
Tankless water
heaters are designed to heat water on demand. Therefore, no water is stored which
needs to be continuously heated. Because tankless water heaters run approximately
20% more efficiently than a standard unit, you’ll generally recoup
the initial cost increase in only 2 years.

Check back next month for more ways you can conserve energy and put your
hard-earned money to better use.